Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)

Clear Float

Originally from Marquette Michigan, Stacy Schwenke has taken the position as the director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

What made you move into the administration field?

I received my master's in education administration . After that, I began teaching in the Upper Peninsula and then moved into a position working with the Upward bound program at a local university. In that position, I had to write grants. Before I came here, I worked a UW-Stevens Point in their Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. I fell into research administration through my passion for access and student support programs and writing the grants to fun these efforts. You develop a; passion for things that you're good at.

What did you like about your position as the director of Research and Sponsored Programs at UW-Stevens Point?

The work is extraordinarily challenging and ever-changing. It never gets dull and it forces you to be current and to be strategic. It's very competitive, which I like, because I'm a very competitive person. I also like the fact that I have the opportunity to contribute and make a difference here.

What made you decide to come to UW-Platteville?

It was an opportunity to be on a campus that has the enormous capacity to access external funds. I felt this was an opportunity for me to make a significant contribution to institutional strategic goals. I like Chancellor Shields and his progressive thinking.

what do you like about platteville and/or the campus?

I was born and raised in a small town and value community. The city is comprised of friendly people and I love the campus; it's beautiful. What's not to like?

What are you responsible for in your position?

I'm responsible for facilitating all faculty and staff interested in writing grants and procuring contracts. My job is to help them through the whole process from beginning to end. I am also excited about developing a stronger outreach component to assist campus faculty, staff and students in achieving grant awards.

What do you want students to know about your department and what it does?

I want them to know the power and benefit of writing grants. I did some grant writing as an undergrad and it made a difference for me because I was able to use that experience to leverage grad school admission and grad assistantships. My door is always open for anyone who has an interest in grants.

What are your goals in your position?

Ultimately, I want to make a difference for the campus, to have a positive impact. I need to learn as much as I can about the campus, so that I am able to improve the current process and for us to be competitive in bringing in extramural funds.

Interview conducted by Emalydia Flenory, UW-Plattteville University Information and Communications. Originally published in Pioneer Spotlight May 1, 2015.

mission

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is committed to enhancing the research productivity of the university, increasing grant funding, facilitating technology commercialization, nurturing economic development, and celebrating the achievements of faculty, staff, and student scholars.